Fashion Industry’s Commitment to Plastic Reduction in Packaging

Survey unveils the fashion industry’s circular aspirations to reduce plastic in packaging as an important part of sustainability strategies.

Aquapak Polymers Ltd, a trailblazer in polymer-based material technologies, recently conducted a comprehensive study involving board directors and senior executives from prominent fashion brands in the UK, US, and Australia.

This research provides valuable insights into the industry’s commitment to circular economy initiatives and sustainability leadership.

Among the notable findings, 12% of respondents anticipate achieving a fully circular business within 1-2 years, 34% within 2-3 years, and 31% within 3-4 years. Intriguingly, 54% consider their current circularity strategy as good, indicating areas for enhancement.

A significant portion, 54%, perceives their business as a market leader and innovator in sustainability, while 39% view it as average, and 7% describe it as a laggard. Despite 49% deeming sustainability highly important, only 21% rate the effectiveness of their sustainability strategy as excellent.

A notable 37% emphasize the high importance of reducing polyethylene plastic in packaging, with an additional 63% deeming it quite important.

Polyethylene Plastic Reduction in Packaging

Aquapak introduces Hydropol™, a patent-protected polymer technology based on thermally processible polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH, PVA). The highly versatile Hydropol family of products is produced in pellet form to enable all downstream conversion processing methods to be used.

This revolutionary soluble and non-toxic polymer promises to reshape the industry’s approach to packaging. Leveraged in garment bags, it matches traditional polybags’ functionality without environmental drawbacks. Hydropol™ addresses end-of-life concerns by offering versatile disposal options, including domestic waste streams, home dissolution, and compostability.

Aquapak CEO Perspective and Industry Shift

Crucially, Hydropol garment bags present zero end-of-life issues for consumers and brands. They can be disposed of in existing domestic waste streams without contaminating other recyclable products. Also, they can be dissolved immediately in hot water at home without producing dangerous microplastics. They are also compostable and degrade harmlessly on land or in the ocean.

Mark Lapping, CEO of Aquapak, underscores the study’s implication that circular economy and sustainability are high priorities for leaders in the fashion industry. He highlights the opportune moment for brands to lead through upstream innovation, particularly in sustainable packaging.

Aquapak collaborates with early-adopter fashion companies committed to upstream innovation. Moreover, the study emphasizes the momentum for brands to drive transformative change, aligning with evolving consumer expectations.

As the fashion industry prioritizes circularity and plastic reduction in packaging, innovations like Hydropol™ become key in driving eco-friendly solutions.